Drone Docking Station and Delivery System
Disclosed herein is a system and device for a drone docking station for deposit of items delivered by drone. Items may include but not be limited to food items, groceries and parcels. A secure porch, roof, window or otherwise building mounted box may be secured through to an existing edifice or may be configured to mount to an existing mailbox post and actually take the place of the mailbox. The basic elements making of components of the box enable it to carry out one efficient and secure delivery of goods to a container box located at a specific address, and to securely hold those good until they are picked up regardless of duration, weather, or otherwise. The drone dock may employ many different technological devices in order to provide for communication between the drone dock and a drone, security, and preservation of the delivered goods before during and after delivery.
This application is a National application in the United States for PCT/US15/62034 filed Nov. 21, 2015 and entitled “DRONE DOCKING STATION AND DELIVERY SYSTEM”. This application was also a Continuation-in-Part [C.I.P.] filed under 37 CFR 1.53(b) and claims the benefit of the original, non-provisional (Regular Utility) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/565,418 submitted Dec. 9, 2014 and as yet not published. The original application was still active on the date of the submission of this C.I.P. The original is entitled a “Drone Docking Station and Delivery System” and was submitted by Dan O'Toole. The original application is incorporated fully by reference as if it were reproduced here, verbatim.
FIELD OF INVENTIONThe invention relates to drones and delivery of parcels or goods.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENTNone.
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAMNone.
BACKGROUND-FIELD OF INVENTION AND PRIOR ARTA. Background
As drone delivery becomes ubiquitous, abundant and global the volume of unattended parcels dropped at businesses and residences will significantly increase. The high volume of parcels dropped will increase the exposure of theft, damage, etc. Thus there remains a need for a drone compatible secure delivery box that can reliably receive goods forma drone. The Drone Dock will save shippers significant amounts of money through the secure storage of delivered goods
B. Prior Art
As far as known there are no other devices or process that perform the function of the Drone Docking Station and Delivery System by Dan O'Toole. A U.S. published patent application US 20150183528 A1 by Walsh et al and entitled “Landing Pad for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Delivery” teaches a landing pad that receives and stores packages delivered from an aerial vehicle are awaiting pickup from an aerial vehicle. The landing pad can be placed outside of a window and can contain a transmitter for sending out an identification signal via radio frequency to aid aerial vehicles in finding the landing pad. The landing pad contains a landing platform with a trapdoor that leads to a storage compartment. The trapdoor can be configured to only open when it receives a signal from an authorized aerial vehicle. The storage compartment can be accessed via a storage compartment door which can contain a locking mechanism. The storage compartment can be climate controlled. The landing pad can also have a transmitter that emits sounds to discourage animals from nesting on or near the landing pad. The landing pad can also include a solar power generator as a source of electrical energy. O'Toole in his device and system teaches many more features and improvements over Walsh as to the handling, security and communications with the drone pad.
Another U.S. published patent application US 20150158599 A1 by Sisko entitled “Robotic aerial vehicle delivery system and method” shows a delivery support system that accommodates and supports the delivery of packages, parcels and other items via an unmanned aerial vehicle. The system includes components to appropriately position a landing platform at a position and orientation that is away from general traffic areas and thus minimizes the potential for interaction with, and injury to individuals what may be in the area. The system further includes handling accommodations to cause delivered items to be transferred to a location readily accessible by an individual or person. The platform further includes systems to communicate with the unmanned aerial vehicle to aid in the delivery operations, and to confirm appropriate delivery of items. Again, this device does not anticipate or render obvious the O'Toole device and system that teaches many more features and improvements over Sisko as to the handling, security and communications with the drone pad.
Still another U.S. published patent application US 20150175276 A1 by Koster and entitled “Delivery platform for unmanned aerial vehicles” demonstrates an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) delivery apparatus is provided. The UAV delivery apparatus may include at least a pole and a landing platform. The pole of the present invention may have an extended length with a bottom end and a top end. The bottom end is securable to a surface to support the pole in an upright position. This published device again does not anticipate or render obvious the O'Toole device and system that teaches many more features and improvements over Koster as to the handling, security and communications with the drone pad. As far as known, there are no devices such as the present drone system and station device. It is believed that this DroneDek is unique in its design and technologies.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONDisclosed herein is a system and device for a drone docking station for deposit of items delivered by drone. Items may include but not be limited to food items, groceries and parcels. A secure porch, roof, window or otherwise building mounted box may be secured through to an existing edifice or may be configured to mount to an existing mailbox post and actually take the place of the mailbox. In its preferred embodiment the drone parcel-receiving box may accommodate any item within size parameters that are drone-able. Typically a drone can carry a parcel the size of 2′×2′ and weighing around 5 lbs, however the disclosure is not limited by any particular size delivery provided it can be carried by a drone. The drone dock may be made of either an abs plastic or steel construction or other suitable material.
The basic elements making of components of the box enable it to carry out one efficient and secure delivery of goods to a container box located at a specific address, and to securely hold those good until they are picked up regardless of duration, weather, or otherwise. The drone dock may employ many different technological devices in order to provide for communication between the drone dock and a drone, security, and preservation of the delivered goods before during and after delivery.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES/BENEFITSThe Objects, Advantages and Benefits of the Drone Docking Station and Delivery System include, for example, but are not limited to:
Objects:
-
- A. To provide for communication between the drone dock and a drone
- B. To provide security, and preservation of the delivered goods before during and after delivery
The DroneDek system offers:
1. Security
2. Weather Proof
3. GPS Location Enabled
4. Charging Station
5. Solar Powered
6. Drop Off and Pick Up
7. Flexible installation
8. Connectivity
9. Remote Access
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of a Drone Docking Station and Delivery System that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of a Drone Docking Station and Delivery System. It is understood, however, that the DroneDeck is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
The following list shows a reference number to the drawings:
The present invention relates to drones and delivery of parcels or goods. There are shown in
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate a preferred embodiment and examples of uses. The preferred embodiment comprises several elements and means and should include the basic elements making of components of the DroneDek box enable it to carry out one or more the following functions: a means of locating the box such that drone can approach and dock with it; a means of engaging the box such that a stable connection or attachment can be made; a means of transferring the contents of the drone to the interior of the box; a means of preserving and securely storing the delivered goods once in the box; a mean of disengaging from the box; a means of communication between the drone and the drone dock, either directly or through a remote server; one or more functional components incorporated within the box to allow for preservation and security of the stored goods, and to prevent damage during the transfer and or subsequent storage; and a means of securing the box to a structure located at a residential or commercial address. The DroneDek in its various embodiments may further incorporate one or more of the features shown in the following paragraphs in any combination, combining to deliver a total secure solution for home or office drone deliveries.
The details mentioned here are exemplary and not limiting. Other specific components and manners specific to describing the Drone Docking Station and Delivery System 30 may be added as a person having ordinary skill in the field of drone systems including their docking, communication and operation.
One notes that communication between the drone 50 and the drone dock 31 may be through electronic or magnetic connection that is made upon the drone landing and connecting with the box. The communication may also be turn over a wireless network such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth satellite etc. and others that would be recognized by those skilled in the art. In alternative embodiments a remote server may be employed whereby the drone communicates its location and docking details to the remote server, upon which the remote server pings or otherwise delivers and signal directly to the box or an associated IP address triggering it to unlock and open. The box 31 may also communicate via RFID in order to identity itself to the drone (or vice versa) and communicate a bar code or I.D. sequence required for docking and unlocking. In similar fashion a Bluetooth signal may be employed to communicate a code to the drone once the drone is in range of the box and its blue tooth signal. In certain embodiments the box 31 will deliver GPS guidance to the drone 50 for proper docking and delivery into box. A Two (2) stage—close and dead-on—blue gps and frustrum 108—the Drone Dock 31 will then report to its owner/communication device 106 and the shipper and the shipping company 91 that the parcel 40 is securely in the docking station 31 and the owner 106 may come and retrieve it 40. The drone dock 31 may also report charging status of the drone 50 as well as takeoff status to shipper 91.
The details mentioned here are exemplary and not limiting. Other specific components and manners specific to describing a Drone Docking Station and Delivery System 31 may be added as a person having ordinary skill in the field of drone systems and platform devices and their uses well appreciates.
Operation of the EmbodimentsThe Drone Docking Station and Delivery System 30 and have been described in the above embodiment. The manner of how these devices operate is described below. One notes well that the description above and the operation described here must be taken together to fully illustrate the concept of the Drone Docking Station and Delivery System 30.
A secure code that drone accesses to direct the dock to open its top to allow for safe delivery into the box may be employed. In lieu of code drone may trigger opening of drone dock by simply accessing its landing base. Communication between the drone and the drone dock may be through electronic or magnetic connection that is made upon the drone landing and connecting with the box. The communication may be directly between the docking or delivery box and the drone itself upon docking in order to facilitate the transmission of a code in a lock box. In alternative embodiments a remote server may be employed whereby the drone communicates its location and docking details to the remote server, upon which the remote server pings or otherwise delivers and signal directly to the box or an associated IP address triggering it to unlock and open. The box may also communicate via RFID in order to identity itself to the drone (or vice versa) and communicate a bar code or I.D. sequence required for docking and unlocking. In similar fashion a Bluetooth signal may be employed to communicate a code to the drone once the drone is in range of the box and its blue tooth signal. In certain embodiments the box will deliver GPS guidance to the drone for proper docking and delivery into box. Upon successful deposit in the dock, the top will close securely assuring that entry into the dock by vandals, thieves or animals is prohibited. Retrigger to close may be accomplished in similar fashion to the signal to open either by direct communication between the drawing and the box or through a remote server. The box may also be designed to automatically close and lock once the drone un-docks from the box. And the communication may also be turn over a wireless network such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth satellite etc. and others that would be recognized by those skilled in the art. The communication may be directly between the docking or delivery box and the drone itself upon docking in order to facilitate the transmission of a code in a lock box. In alternative embodiments a remote server may be employed whereby the drone communicates its location and docking details to the remote server, upon which the remote server pings or otherwise delivers and signal directly to the box or an associated IP address triggering it to unlock and open. The box may also communicate via RFID in order to identity itself to the drone (or vice versa) and communicate a bar code or I.D. sequence required for docking and unlocking. In similar fashion a Bluetooth signal may be employed to communicate a code to the drone once the drone is in range of the box and its blue tooth signal. In certain embodiments the box will deliver GPS guidance to the drone for proper docking and delivery into box. Upon successful deposit in the dock, the top will close securely assuring that entry into the dock by vandals, thieves or animals is prohibited. Retrigger to close may be accomplished in similar fashion to the signal to open either by direct communication between the drawing and the box or through a remote server. The box may also be designed to automatically close and lock once the drone un-docks from the box.
The box design may allow a drop of the item into its pressure sensitive lids. The item will drop in and the lids will return to their home position and not allow for access to the inserted item except by the intended recipient. The Drone Dock will then report to its owner and the shipper and the shipping company that the item is securely in the dock and come and retrieve it. The drone dock may also report charging status as well as takeoff status to shipper.
The objects, advantages and benefits include, but are not limited to:
Objects: 1. To provide for communication between the drone dock and a drone, and 2. To provide security, and preservation of the delivered goods before during and after delivery
Advantages and benefits include:
The phrase “in one embodiment” is used repeatedly. The phrase generally does not refer to the same embodiment; however, it may. The terms “comprising,” “having” and “including” are synonymous, unless the context dictates otherwise. The following illustrations of various embodiments use particular terms by way of example to describe the various embodiments, but this should be construed to encompass and provide for terms such as “method” and “routine” and the like.
Various aspects of the illustrative embodiments will be described using terms commonly employed by those skilled in the art to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced with only some of the described aspects. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials and configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the illustrative embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without the specific details. In other instances, well-known features are omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the illustrative embodiments.
The characteristics and utilities of the present invention described in this summary and the detailed description below are not all inclusive. Many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art given the following description. There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.
In this respect, by explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the description. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the description be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A drone docking station device comprising:
- A container for accepting deliveries of food items, groceries or parcels;
- Said container mounted to a building, house, post, porch, roof, window or existing mailbox; and
- A device mounted on the container for communicating with the drone.
2. A drone dock and delivery box for accepting drone deliveries comprising: A means of securing the box to a structure post mount located at a residential or commercial address.
- a means of locating the drone dock such that the drone may accurately approach and dock with it
- A means of engaging the drone dock such that a stable connection or attachment can be made
- A means of transferring the contents of the drone to the interior of the drone dock
- A means of preserving and securely container? storing the delivered goods once in the drone dock
- A mean of disengaging (release) from the drone dock.
- A means of communication between the drone and the drone dock, either directly or through a remote server.
- One or more functional components incorporated within the box to allow for preservation and security of the stored goods, and to prevent damage during the transfer and or subsequent storage. (soft and curve)
3. The docking station of claim 1 further comprising: is wireless either directly or through a remote server; and
- Engagement signal wave of a drone with the drone docking station triggering the transmission of a code unlocking the container;
- Wherein communication between a drone and the docking station
- Wherein the wireless communication may be Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, satellite, or through an RFID mechanism.
4. The docking station of claim 1 further comprising:
- The container including a device capable of communicating GPS information to a drone to facilitate docking with said container.
5. The docking station of claim 3 further wherein disengagement of a drone from the docking station triggers the container to securely close.
6. The docking station of claim 5 further comprising a curved bottom in the interior of the container to mitigate the abruptness of dropping an item into the container.
7. The docking station of claim 5 further comprising a soft material in the bottom of the interior of the container to mitigate the abruptness of dropping an item into the container.
8. The docking station of claim 5 wherein the container is temperature controlled.
9. The docking station of claim 5, wherein the docking station includes a power source, said power source being any of a connection to an electronic outlet, onboard battery power, wind power, or solar power.
9. The docking station of claim 5, wherein solar panels are mounted on the docking station.
10. The docking station of claim 9, wherein delivery of items from a drone into the container triggers a signal to one or more parties that the items have been delivered.
11. The docking station of claim 10, further comprising charging a drone's power source while it is connected to the docking station.
12. The docking station of claim 11, wherein a drone or the drone dock sends information on any of charging status, takeoff status, or delivery status to one or more parties.
13. The docking station of claim 12, wherein the docking station container has a heated top.
14. The docking station of claim 13 further comprising a mounted security camera.
15. The docking station of claim 14, wherein the docking station is mounted to a surface by hardware capable of anchoring into wood, concrete, metal, or masonry.
16. The docking station of claim 15 further comprising structures enabling a two phased docking approach, said phases being a first phase comprising an initial contact between the drone and the docking station, and a second phase of guiding a drone into a final landing position on the docking station.
17. The docking station of claim 15 further comprising one or more devices connected to the container enabling a recipient of the delivered goods to unlock the container through an entered code, a key, a keypad or through unlocking via a mobile electronic device software application.
18. The device of claim 1 further comprising a letter slot allowing for one way deposits of mail.
19. The device of claim 1 further comprising a motion flood light for enhanced area security and a lighted address
20. The device of claim 1 further comprising a battery exchange mechanism to provide means for interchanging drone batteries and exchanging a discharged battery with a charged battery.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 21, 2015
Publication Date: Jul 20, 2017
Patent Grant number: 10457421
Inventor: Daniel S O'Toole (Carmel, IN)
Application Number: 15/328,027